Fluid-filled chamber for an article of footwear

ABSTRACT

A fluid-filled chamber is provided and includes a first barrier layer, a second barrier layer, a foam structure, and a tensile member. The second barrier layer is secured to the first barrier layer to define an interior void between the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer. The interior void contains a predetermined volume of fluid. The foam structure and the tensile member are disposed within the interior void, whereby the tensile member includes a plurality of fibers extending in a first direction between the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/894,076, filed Feb. 12, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/863,753, filed Sep. 24, 2015, the disclosures ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to articles of footwear andmore specifically to a fluid-filled chamber for use with an article offootwear and a method for making a fluid-filled chamber.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

Articles of footwear typically include a sole structure that provides alayer between the foot on which the article of footwear is worn and aground surface. The sole structure prevents the foot from contacting theground surface and provides a degree of cushioning to the foot duringuse. The sole structure typically includes an outsole that contacts theground surface and a midsole that supports, stabilizes, and cushions thefoot. A polymer foam material may form the midsole to provide a level ofcushioning that minimizes the forces felt by the foot when the outsolestrikes the ground surface.

While traditional midsole materials, such as polymer foam materials,provide a degree of comfort and stability, such polymer foam materialsare typically tailored to provide a specific type of cushioning and aregenerally limited in that regard. For example, stiffer foam materialsprovide a more responsive feel during use but are less capable ofabsorbing impacts. Conversely, softer materials are less responsive butprovide a greater degree of cushioning and are therefore better suitedthan stiffer materials for applications that favor impact absorptionover responsiveness. Accordingly, providing a sole structure with morethan one type of cushioning system provides an article of footwear withboth a responsive feel and the ability to absorb impacts during use.

In an effort to balance responsiveness and cushioning, footwearmanufacturers typically provide a sole structure with more than one typeof cushioning. For example, a midsole may be formed from a polymer foammaterial that is used in conjunction with rubber posts or resilientmembers. The posts provide a responsive feel during use while thepolymer foam provides cushioning. While rubber posts or other resilientmembers may be used in conjunction with polymer foam, other cushioningsystems such as fluid-filled bladders may alternatively be used inconjunction with polymer foam depending on the particular application.

While sole structures of conventional articles of footwear may includemore than one type of cushioning system, such systems are typicallyseparate and independent from one another. Accordingly, these systemsseparately provide the article of footwear with responsiveness andcushioning and only cooperate with one another once assembled into thesole structure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of an article of footwear inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a partial cross-sectional view of the article of footwear ofFIG. 1A taken along the line 1B-1B of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a side elevation view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B is a side elevation view of another article of footwear inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2C is a side elevation view of another article of footwear inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2D is a side elevation view of another article of footwear inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of an article of footwear inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 3Ataken along the line 3C-3C of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of an article of footwear inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 4Ataken along the line 4C-4C of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of an article of footwear inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 5Ataken along the line 5C-5C of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of an article of footwear inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6B is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 6Ataken along the line 6C-6C of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of an article of footwear inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is a partial cross-sectional view of the article of footwear ofFIG. 7A taken along the line 7C-7C of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 7Ataken along the line 7D-7D of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a top perspective view of an article of footwear inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8B is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is a partial cross-sectional view of the article of footwear ofFIG. 8A taken along the line 8C-8C of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 8Ataken along the line 8D-8D of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is a top perspective view of an article of footwear inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9B is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is a partial cross-sectional view of the article of footwear ofFIG. 9A taken along the line 9C-9C of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 9Ataken along the line 9D-9D of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9E is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 9Ataken along the line 9E-9E of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A is a top perspective view of an article of footwear inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10B is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10C is a partial cross-sectional view of the article of footwear ofFIG. 10A taken along the line 10C-10C of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10D is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG.10A taken along the line 10D-10D of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10E is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG.10A taken along the line 10E-10E of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A is a top perspective view of an article of footwear inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11B is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C is a partial cross-sectional view of the article of footwear ofFIG. 11A taken along the line 11C-11C of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11D is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG.11A taken along the line 11D-11D of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11E is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG.11A taken along the line 11E-11E of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11F is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG.11A taken along the line 11F-11F of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A is a top perspective view of an article of footwear inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12B is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 12C is a partial cross-sectional view of the article of footwear ofFIG. 12A taken along the line 12C-12C of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 12D is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG.12A taken along the line 12D-12D of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13A is a top perspective view of an article of footwear inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13B is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13C is a partial cross-sectional view of the article of footwear ofFIG. 13A taken along the line 13C-13C of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13D is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG.13A taken along the line 13D-13D of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 14A is a top perspective view of an article of footwear inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14B is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 14A;

FIG. 14C is a top schematic view of a midsole of the article of footwearof FIG. 14A;

FIG. 14D is a partial cross-sectional view of the article of footwear ofFIG. 14A taken along the line 14D-14D of FIG. 14C;

FIG. 14E is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG.14A taken along the line 14E-14E of FIG. 14C;

FIG. 14F is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG.14A taken along the line 14F-14F of FIG. 14C; and

FIG. 14G is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG.14A taken along the line 14G-14G of FIG. 14C.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example configurations will now be described more fully with referenceto the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scopeof the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specificdetails are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices,and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations ofthe present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art that specific details need not be employed, that exampleconfigurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that thespecific details and the example configurations should not be construedto limit the scope of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. Asused herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intendedto include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,”and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence offeatures, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The methodsteps, processes, and operations described herein are not to beconstrued as necessarily requiring their performance in the particularorder discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as anorder of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,”“connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer,it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to theother element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlyon,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attachedto,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be nointervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe therelationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion(e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directlyadjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describevarious elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. Theseelements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not belimited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish oneelement, component, region, layer or section from another region, layeror section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical termsdo not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by thecontext. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or sectiondiscussed below could be termed a second element, component, region,layer or section without departing from the teachings of the exampleconfigurations.

In one configuration, a fluid-filled chamber is provided and includes afirst barrier layer, a second barrier layer, a foam structure, and atensile member. The second barrier layer is secured to the first barrierlayer to define an interior void between the first barrier layer and thesecond barrier layer. The interior void contains a predetermined volumeof fluid. The foam structure and the tensile member are disposed withinthe interior void, whereby the tensile member includes a plurality offibers extending in a first direction between the first barrier layerand the second barrier layer.

Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of thefollowing optional features. In some implementations, the tensile memberis disposed between the foam structure and one of the first barrierlayer and the second barrier layer. In some examples, the tensile memberis attached to one of the first barrier layer and the second barrierlayer, the foam structure is attached to the other of the first barrierlayer and the second barrier layer, and/or the tensile member isattached to the foam structure.

The foam structure may be attached to the tensile member at anattachment location that is spaced apart from the first barrier layerand the second barrier layer.

In some configurations, the foam structure includes a first foam layerand a second foam layer. The first foam layer may be attached to thefirst barrier layer and the second foam layer may be attached to thesecond barrier layer. In some implementations, the tensile member may bedisposed between the first foam layer and the second foam layer.

Additionally or alternatively, the tensile member may include a firstsubstrate and a second substrate. The plurality of fibers may extendbetween and may be attached to the first substrate and the secondsubstrate. In some examples, the first substrate may be attached to oneof the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer and the secondsubstrate may be attached to the foam layer.

A method is also provided and includes forming a first barrier layer,forming a second barrier layer, and securing the first barrier layer tothe second barrier layer to define an interior void disposed between thefirst barrier layer and the second barrier layer. The methodadditionally includes positioning a foam structure within the interiorvoid, positioning a tensile member having a first substrate, a secondsubstrate, and a plurality of fibers extending between the firstsubstrate and the second substrate within the interior void and betweenthe foam structure and one of the first barrier layer and the secondbarrier layer, and providing the interior void with a predeterminedvolume of fluid.

In one configuration, positioning the tensile member between the foamstructure and one of the first barrier layer and the second barrierlayer includes attaching one of the first substrate and the secondsubstrate to the foam structure.

The method may additionally include attaching one of the first substrateand the second substrate to the one of the first barrier layer and thesecond barrier layer and attaching the foam structure to the other ofthe first barrier layer and the second barrier layer.

The tensile member may be attached to the foam structure. Further, thefoam structure may be attached to the tensile member at an attachmentlocation. Attaching the foam structure to the tensile member at anattachment location may include attaching the foam structure to thetensile member at an attachment location that is spaced apart from thefirst barrier layer and the second barrier layer.

Positioning the foam structure may include positioning a first foamlayer and positioning a second foam layer. The method may additionallyinclude attaching the first foam layer to the first barrier layer andattaching the second foam layer to the second barrier layer, whereinpositioning the tensile member includes positioning the tensile memberbetween the first foam layer and the second foam layer. The method mayalso include attaching one of the first substrate and the secondsubstrate to the first foam layer and attaching the other of the firstsubstrate and the second substrate to the second foam layer.

In one configuration, the method may include providing the foamstructure with an arcuate surface and, further, may include attachingthe arcuate surface to one of the first barrier layer and the secondbarrier layer.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1B, an article of footwear 10 is provided and mayinclude an upper 20 and a sole structure 22. The sole structure 22 maybe attached to the upper 20 and positioned between the upper 20 and aground surface in a manner that prevents the upper 20 from contactingthe ground surface during normal use of the article of footwear 10.

The upper 20 and the sole structure 22 may extend from a heel end 12 toa forefoot end 14 along a Y-axis, and from a lateral side 16 to a medialside 18 along an X-axis. The heel end 12 may correspond with rearportions of a foot, including a calcaneus bone. The forefoot end 14 maycorrespond with toes and joints connecting metatarsal bones with phalanxbones of the foot. The lateral and medial sides 16, 18, respectively,may correspond with opposite sides of the footwear 10 extending from theheel end 12 to the forefoot end 14.

The upper 20 may include a body 26, a tongue 30, a fastening system 32,and a sockliner 34. Different materials may form the body 26 of theupper 20, including one or more of foam, textiles, leather, andsynthetic leather that connect together to form a shape of the upper 20.In this regard, the body 26 may be formed from one or more materialsthat are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form a footwearcavity 24 that receives and secures a foot for support on the solestructure 22. Suitable materials for the body 26 may include, but arenot limited to, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. Thematerials may be selected and located to impart properties ofdurability, air-permeability, wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfortto the foot while disposed within the footwear cavity 24.

The body 26 of the upper 20 may be formed to define a foot-receivingopening 28 in the heel end 12 of the upper 20. The foot-receivingopening 28 may provide access to the footwear cavity 24. For example,the foot-receiving opening 28 may receive a foot to secure the footwithin the footwear cavity 24 and facilitate entry and removal of thefoot from and to the footwear cavity 24. The body 26 and thefoot-receiving opening 28 may vary from what is illustrated in FIGS.1A-1B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Forexample, in some configurations, the body 26 may constitute lessmaterial and the foot-receiving opening 28 may be larger and/or of adifferent shape.

The tongue 30 may extend between the footwear cavity 24 and thefastening system 32. Similar to the body 26 of the upper 20, the tongue30 may consist of different materials connected together. In thisregard, the tongue 30 may be formed separately from, but attached to,the body 26 in a manner that allows a user of the article of footwear 10to modify the dimensions of the foot-receiving opening 28. For example,the user of the article of footwear 10 may manipulate the position ofthe tongue 30 to allow his or her foot to easily enter into or exit fromthe footwear cavity 24 through the foot-receiving opening 28.

The fastening system 32 may include one or more fasteners (e.g., lace36) extending along the upper 20. In some configurations, the upper 20may include apertures such as apertures 38 and/or other engagementfeatures such as fabric or mesh loops that receive the fasteners. A userof the article of footwear 10 may tighten or loosen the fastenersthrough the plurality of apertures 38 in order to tighten or loosen thebody 26 and tongue 30 of the upper 20 around the user's foot or to allowhis or her foot to enter into or exit from the footwear cavity 24. Whilethe fasteners are generally shown and described herein as the lace 36,it will be appreciated that the fasteners may include straps, cords,hook-and-loop, or any other suitable type of fastener, within the scopeof the present disclosure.

The sockliner 34 may be located within the footwear cavity 24 along aportion of the body 26 of the upper 20. In some configurations, thesockliner 34 resides in a location within the footwear cavity 24 tocontact a plantar surface of the user's foot in order to enhance thecomfort of the article of footwear 10.

While the article of footwear 10 is shown and described herein asincluding the tongue 30, the fastening system 32, and the sockliner 34,it will be appreciated that the tongue 30, the fastening system 32, andthe sockliner 34 are optional features of the article of footwear 10.Moreover, the size, shape, location, and other characteristics of eachmay vary greatly between different implementations of the article offootwear 10.

The sole structure 22 may include different layers, such as an outsole42, a midsole 40, and an insole or sockliner 34, for example. Each layermay serve a particular function. For example, the insole or sockliner 34may be designed to contact the foot and to provide enhanced comfort tothe foot, as described above. In this regard, the insole 34 may includea layer formed into the sole structure 22 such that the insole 34 isdisposed between the midsole 40 and the upper 20 in an assembledconfiguration.

The outsole 42 is generally positioned on a bottom surface of thearticle of footwear 10. In particular, the outsole 42 may include alayer coupled to the midsole 40, such that the outsole 42 contacts theground surface during normal use. In this regard, the outsole 42 mayprovide a degree of cushioning to the foot during use of the article offootwear 10. Further, the outsole 42 may be formed from anabrasive-resistant material such as rubber to protect the article offootwear 10 and provide the article of footwear 10 with the ability topositively grip the ground surface during use.

The midsole 40 may include a body 44 and one or more fluid-filledchambers 46, and may be disposed between the outsole 42 and the upper 20and/or the insole 34. In some configurations, the midsole 40 may extendbetween the heel end 12 and the forefoot end 14 along the Y-axis andbetween the lateral side 16 and the medial side 18 along the X-axis inorder to improve various performance-related characteristics of thearticle of footwear 10. For example, the midsole 40 may provide bothstability and a cushioning system for the user's foot.

The body 44 of the midsole 40 may be formed at least in part from a foampolymer material, such as polyurethane, ethylvinylacetate, or anothermaterial, and may include a cavity 47 (FIG. 3B) defined at least in partby a first (e.g., upper) chamber contact surface 86, a second (e.g.,lower) chamber contact surface 88, and a third (e.g., side orperipheral) chamber contact surface 90 (each shown, for example, inFIGS. 3B and 3C).

The fluid-filled chamber 46 may be disposed within the cavity 47 of thebody 44 and may include a first barrier layer 52, a second barrier layer54, a foam structure (e.g., layer) 60, and a tensile member 70. Thefirst barrier layer 52 may be coupled to the second barrier layer 54 ata seam 56. In some configurations, the first barrier layer 52 is sealedto the second barrier layer 54 at the seam 56 such that the first andsecond barrier layers 52, 54 collectively define an interior void 58.The interior void 58 may include one or more fluids. For example, air,nitrogen, hexafluorethane, sulfur hexafluoride, other gases, otherfluids, or a mixture thereof, may fill the fluid-filled chamber 46. Thefirst and second barrier layers 52, 54, including the sealed seam 56therebetween, may maintain the fluid within the interior void 58 atambient pressure or, alternatively, may maintain the fluid within theinterior void 58 at a pressure that is greater than ambient pressure.The fluid-filled chamber 46, including the pressure thereof, providesimproved cushioning properties by absorbing impact forces created whenthe outsole 42 strikes the ground surface during use.

In some configurations, the fluid-filled chamber 46 may extend along theX-axis by a width W₄₆ and be substantially centered within the body 44of the midsole 40 along both the Z and X-axes. The width W₄₆ of thefluid-filled chamber 46 may extend across a majority (e.g., greater than50% and less than 100%) of the midsole 40 along the X-axis. In thisregard, it will be appreciated that the width W₄₆ of the fluid-filledchamber 46 may be greater or less than the width W₄₆ shown in FIG. 1Bwithout departing from the scope of this disclosure.

The configuration (e.g., size, position, and/or quantity) of thefluid-filled chamber 46 within the body 44 of the midsole 40 may varyfrom the position illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 2A without departing fromthe scope of this disclosure. For example, the fluid-filled chamber 46may be positioned off-center relative to the body 44 along the X, Y,and/or Z-axes. Additionally, the midsole 40 may incorporate more thanone fluid-filled chamber 46 having differing designs within the scope ofthe present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, in someconfigurations, the fluid-filled chamber 46 includes a length L₄₆ thatspans from the heel end 12 to the forefoot end 14 along the Y-axis ofthe article of footwear 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 2B, an article of footwear 100 is provided andincludes a fluid-filled chamber 48. The article of footwear 100 and thefluid-filled chamber 48 may be substantially similar to the article offootwear 10 and the fluid filled chamber 46, respectively, except asotherwise shown or described herein. The fluid-filled chamber 48 may bedisposed within the heel end 12 of the article of footwear 100 and mayhave a length L₄₈ that spans only a portion of the distance between theheel and forefoot ends 12, 14 along the Y-axis.

As illustrated in FIG. 2C, an article of footwear 200 is provided andincludes a fluid-filled chamber 50. The article of footwear 200 and thefluid-filled chamber 50 may be substantially similar to the article offootwear 10 and the fluid filled chamber 46, respectively, except asotherwise shown or described herein. The fluid-filled chamber 50 may bedisposed within the forefoot end 14 of the article of footwear 200 andmay have a length L₅₀ that spans only a portion of the distance betweenthe heel and forefoot ends 12, 14 along the Y-axis.

As illustrated in FIG. 2D, an article of footwear 300 is provided andincludes the fluid-filled chamber 48 and the fluid-filled chamber 50.The article of footwear 300 may be substantially similar to the articleof footwear 10 except as otherwise shown or described herein. While thearticles of footwear 10, 100, 200, 300 are shown and described herein ashaving one or two fluid-filled chambers 46, 48, and/or 50, it will beappreciated that an article of footwear may include more than twofluid-filled chambers 46, 48, and/or 50 within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

The foam structure 60 may be disposed within the interior void 58 of thefluid-filled chamber 46. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, in someconfigurations, the foam structure 60 may be disposed adjacent to thesecond barrier layer 54 such that a first (e.g., lower) surface 602 ofthe foam structure 60 engages a first (e.g., upper) surface 55 of thesecond barrier layer 54 at a first attachment 96. The foam structure 60may be formed from an open-cell foam core, such as the open-cell foamcore disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,874,640 and 5,235,715, thedisclosures of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.Alternatively, the foam structure 60 may be formed from one or moreflexible materials such as a mesh material, a nylon material,ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, or any other suitable material thatprovides cushioning and can be shaped into the shape of the foamstructure 60. The material of the foam structure 60 provides improvedcushioning properties by absorbing the impact forces created when theoutsole 42 strikes the ground surface during use. Utilization of highdensity foam may increase the strength of the foam structure 60 andincrease the length of time over which the impact forces are spread whenthe outsole 42 strikes the ground surface. Further, combining the foamstructure 60 with the fluid-filled chamber 46 provides the article offootwear 10 with both responsive-type cushioning due to the foamstructure 60 and soft-type cushioning due to the fluid contained withinthe chamber 46. These components advantageously can be installed in thearticle of footwear 10 at the same time once the fluid-filled chamber 46is formed.

With reference to FIG. 3C, the tensile member 70 may be disposed withinthe interior void 58 of the fluid-filled chamber 46 and may include afirst (e.g., upper) substrate 82, a second (e.g., lower) substrate 84,and a plurality of individual tensile fibers 85 extending between thefirst substrate 82 and the second substrate 84. As illustrated in FIGS.1B and 3B, in some configurations, the tensile member 70 is disposedbetween the foam structure 60 and the first barrier layer 52 relative tothe Z-axis such that (i) the first substrate 82 engages a second (e.g.,lower) surface 53 of the first barrier layer 52 at a second attachment94 and (ii) the second substrate 84 engages a second (e.g., upper)surface 601 of the foam structure 60 at a third attachment 97. The firstand second substrates 82, 84 may include a substantially planarconfiguration. Accordingly, the attachment 94 between the tensile member70 (at the first substrate 82) and the first barrier layer 52, as wellas the attachment 97 between the tensile member 70 (at the secondsubstrate 84) and the foam structure 60, may be formed in a manner suchthat substantially all of the first and second substrates 82, 84 contactthe second surface 53 of the first barrier layer 52 and the secondsurface 601 of the foam structure 60, respectively.

The plurality of individual tensile fibers 85, which may deflect easilywhen a compressive force is applied to the tensile member 70, mayinclude various sizes (e.g., diameter, length along the Z-axis),cross-sectional shapes (e.g., circular, rectangular, or other polygon),and/or materials. For example, as illustrated throughout the figures, adistance along the Z-axis between the first and second substrates 82, 84may vary such that the length of the tensile fibers 85, as measuredalong the Z-axis, may also vary from one tensile fiber 85 to anothertensile fiber 85 and/or from one configuration of the fluid-filledchamber 46 to another configuration of the fluid-filled chamber 46. Whenthe fluid-filled chamber 46 and/or the tensile member 70 is in a neutralstate (i.e., no external force is applied to the fluid-filled chamber 46and/or the tensile member 70), one or more of the plurality ofindividual tensile fibers 85 may experience a tensile force in order tomaintain a desired shape (e.g., FIG. 1B) of the fluid-filled chamber 46by preventing or inhibiting the first barrier layer 52 from moving awayfrom the second barrier layer 54 along the Z-axis. The tensile fibers 85are placed under tension due to the fluid contained within thefluid-filled chamber 46. Additional details of tensile fibers 85 aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,906,502, 5,083,361, and 6,385,864, thedisclosures of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

With further reference to FIGS. 3A-3C, a method of manufacturing thearticle of footwear 10 will now be described. The first and/or secondbarrier layers 52, 54 may be formed from a polymer (e.g., thermoplasticpolyurethane) using various manufacturing techniques (e.g., injectionmolding). The first barrier layer 52 may be sealingly engaged with thesecond barrier layer 54 at the seam 56 such that the first and secondbarrier layers 52, 54 collectively define an interior void 58. Inparticular, the first barrier layer 52 may be attached to the secondbarrier layer 54 using various fastening techniques, such as applyingheat and/or pressure or applying an adhesive, for example. The foamstructure 60 and the tensile member 70 may be positioned within theinterior void 58 such that the plurality of fibers 85 extend in a firstdirection (e.g., along the Z-axis) between the first barrier layer 52and the second barrier layer 54. In this regard, the foam structure 60may be attached to the second barrier layer 52 at the first attachment96. In addition, the first substrate 82 may be attached to the firstbarrier layer 52 at the second attachment 94, and the second substrate84 may be attached to the foam structure 60 at the third attachment 97.A predetermined volume of fluid, such as air, nitrogen, hexafluorethane,sulfur hexafluoride, or a mixture thereof, for example, may be injectedinto the interior void 58 in order to place the fibers 85 in tension.The fluid-filled chamber 46 may be placed and secured within the body 44of the midsole 22. In particular, the fluid-filled chamber 46 may besecured within the cavity 47 using various techniques, such asovermolding or adhesive bonding, for example.

With reference to FIGS. 4A-4C, another article of footwear 10 b isshown. Except as otherwise provided herein, the structure and functionof the article of footwear 10 b may be substantially similar to thestructure and function of the article of footwear 10. In view of thesubstantial similarity in structure and function of the componentsassociated with the article of footwear 10 b with respect to the articleof footwear 10, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in thedrawings to identify like components, while like reference numeralscontaining letter extensions are used to identify those components thathave been modified.

The article of footwear 10 b may include the upper 20 and a solestructure 22 b. The sole structure 22 b may include a midsole 40 b andthe outsole 42. The midsole 40 b may include a fluid-filled chamber 46 bresiding within the body 44.

The fluid-filled chamber 46 b may be located within the article offootwear 10 b in any of the positions and orientations shown in FIGS.2A-2D, and may include the first barrier layer 52, the second barrierlayer 54, the foam structure 60, and the tensile member 70. The foamstructure 60 may be disposed adjacent to the first barrier layer 52 suchthat the second surface 601 of the foam structure 60 engages the secondsurface 53 of the first barrier layer 52 at a fourth attachment 102. Thetensile member 70 may be disposed between the foam structure 60 and thesecond barrier layer 54 relative to the Z-axis such that (i) the secondsubstrate 84 engages the first surface 55 of the second barrier layer 54at a fifth attachment 104 and (ii) the first substrate 82 engages thefirst surface 602 of the foam structure 60 at a sixth attachment 106.The first and second substrates 82, 84 may include a substantiallyplanar configuration. Accordingly, the attachment 106 between thetensile member 70 (at the first substrate 82) and the foam structure 60,as well as the attachment 104 between the tensile member 70 (at thesecond substrate 84) and the second barrier layer 54, may be formed in amanner such that substantially all of the first and second substrates82, 84 contact the first surface 602 of the foam structure 60 and thefirst surface 55 of the second barrier layer 54, respectively.Additionally, the attachment 102 may be such that substantially all ofthe first surface 601 of the foam structure 60 contacts the surface 53of the first barrier layer 52.

With further reference to FIGS. 4A-4C, a method of manufacturing thearticle of footwear 10 b will now be described. In view of thesubstantial similarities in the method of manufacturing the article offootwear 10 b and the method of manufacturing the article of footwear10, only the differences will be discussed herein. During the method ofmanufacturing the article of footwear 10 b, the foam structure 60 may beattached to the first barrier layer 52 at the fourth attachment 102, thefirst substrate 82 may be attached to the foam structure 60 at the sixthattachment 106, and the second substrate 84 may be attached to thesecond barrier layer 54 at the fifth attachment 104. Once attached, thefluid-filled chamber 46 b may be provided with a predetermined fluid toplace the fibers 85 of the tensile member 70 under tension.

With reference to FIGS. 5A-5C, another article of footwear 10 c isshown. Except as otherwise provided herein, the structure and functionof the article of footwear 10 c may be substantially similar to thestructure and function of the article of footwear 10. In view of thesubstantial similarity in structure and function of the componentsassociated with the article of footwear 10 c with respect to the articleof footwear 10, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in thedrawings to identify like components, while like reference numeralscontaining letter extensions are used to identify those components thathave been modified.

The article of footwear 10 c may include the upper 20 and a solestructure 22 c. The sole structure 22 c may include a midsole 40 c andthe outsole 42. The midsole 40 c may include a fluid-filled chamber 46 cresiding within the body 44.

The fluid-filled chamber 46 c may be located within the article offootwear 10 c in any of the positions and orientations shown in FIGS.2A-2D, and may include the first barrier layer 52, the second barrierlayer 54, the foam structure 60, and one or more tensile members 70. Asillustrated in FIG. 5B, in some configurations, the fluid-filled chamber46 c includes two tensile members 70. A first (e.g., upper) tensilemember 72 of the tensile members 70 may be disposed between the foamstructure 60 and the first barrier layer 52 relative to the Z-axis suchthat (i) the first substrate 82 engages the second surface 53 of thefirst barrier layer 52 at the second attachment 94 and (ii) the secondsubstrate 84 engages the second surface 601 of the foam structure 60 atthe third attachment 97. A second (e.g., lower) tensile member 74 of thetensile members 70 may be disposed between the foam structure 60 and thesecond barrier layer 54 relative to the Z-axis such that (i) the secondsubstrate 84 engages the first surface 55 of the second barrier layer 54at the fifth attachment 104 and (ii) the first substrate 82 engages thefirst surface 602 of the foam structure 60 at the sixth attachment 106.Accordingly, as illustrated in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the foam structure 60may be disposed between the first and second tensile members 72, 74 suchthat the second surface 601 engages the second substrate 84 of the firsttensile member 72 and the first surface 602 engages the first substrate82 of the second tensile member 74.

With further reference to FIGS. 5A-5C, a method of manufacturing thearticle of footwear 10 c will now be described. In view of thesubstantial similarities in the method of manufacturing the article offootwear 10 c and the method of manufacturing the article of footwear10, only the differences will be discussed herein. During the method ofmanufacturing the article of footwear 10 c, the foam structure 60 may bepositioned between, and attached to, the first and second tensilemembers 72, 74. Specifically, the second substrate 84 of the firsttensile member 72 may be attached to the second surface 601 of the foamstructure 60 at the third attachment 97, and the first substrate 82 ofthe second tensile member 74 may be attached to the first surface 602 ofthe foam structure 60 at the sixth attachment 106. Additionally, thefirst substrate 82 of the first tensile member 72 may be attached to thefirst barrier layer 52 at the second attachment 94, and the secondsubstrate 84 of the second tensile member 74 may be attached to thesecond barrier layer 54 at the fifth attachment 104.

With reference to FIGS. 6A-6C, another article of footwear 10 d isshown. Except as otherwise provided herein, the structure and functionof the article of footwear 10 d may be substantially similar to thestructure and function of the article of footwear 10. In view of thesubstantial similarity in structure and function of the componentsassociated with the article of footwear 10 d with respect to the articleof footwear 10, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in thedrawings to identify like components, while like reference numeralscontaining letter extensions are used to identify those components thathave been modified.

The article of footwear 10 d may include the upper 20 and a solestructure 22 d. The sole structure 22 d may include a midsole 40 d andthe outsole 42. The midsole 40 d may include a fluid-filled chamber 46 dresiding within the body 44.

The fluid-filled chamber 46 d may be located within the article offootwear 10 d in any of the positions and orientations shown in FIGS.2A-2D, and may include the first barrier layer 52, the second barrierlayer 54, one or more foam structures 60, and the tensile member 70. Asillustrated in FIG. 6B, in some configurations, the fluid-filled chamber46 d includes two foam structures 60. A first (e.g., upper) foamstructure 62 of the foam structures 60 may be disposed adjacent to thefirst barrier layer 52 such that the second surface 601 of the foamstructure 60 engages the second surface 53 of the first barrier layer 52at the fourth attachment 102. A second (e.g., lower) foam structure 64of the foam structures 60 may be disposed adjacent to the second barrierlayer 54 such that the first surface 602 of the foam structure 60engages the first surface 55 of the second barrier layer 54 at the firstattachment 96. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIGS. 6B and 6C, thetensile member 70 may be disposed between the first and second foamstructures 66, 64, such that the first substrate 82 engages the firstsurface 602 of the first foam structure 62 and the second substrate 84engages the second surface 601 of the second foam structure 64.

With further reference to FIGS. 6A-6C, a method of manufacturing thearticle of footwear 10 d will now be described. In view of thesubstantial similarities in the method of manufacturing the article offootwear 10 d and the method of manufacturing the article of footwear10, only the differences will be discussed herein. During the method ofmanufacturing the article of footwear 10 d, the tensile member 70 may bepositioned between, and attached to, the first and second foamstructures 62, 64. Specifically, the second substrate 84 of the tensilemember 70 may be attached to the second surface 601 of the second foamstructure 64 at the third attachment 97, and the first substrate 82 ofthe tensile member 70 may be attached to the first surface 602 of thefirst foam structure 62 at the sixth attachment 106. Additionally, thefirst surface 602 of the second foam structure 64 may be attached to thesecond barrier layer 54 at the first attachment 96, and the secondsurface 601 of the first foam structure 62 may be attached to the firstbarrier layer 52 at the fourth attachment 102.

With reference to FIGS. 7A-7D, another article of footwear 10 e isshown. Except as otherwise provided herein, the structure and functionof the article of footwear 10 e may be substantially similar to thestructure and function of the article of footwear 10. In view of thesubstantial similarity in structure and function of the componentsassociated with the article of footwear 10 e with respect to the articleof footwear 10, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in thedrawings to identify like components, while like reference numeralscontaining letter extensions are used to identify those components thathave been modified.

The article of footwear 10 e may include the upper 20 and a solestructure 22 e. The sole structure 22 e may include a midsole 40 e andthe outsole 42. The midsole 40 e may include a fluid-filled chamber 46 eresiding within a body 44 e. As illustrated in FIGS. 7B-7D, the body 44e may include a cavity 47 e defined at least in part by a first (e.g.,upper) chamber contact surface 86 e, the second chamber contact surface88, and the third chamber contact surface 90. The first chamber contactsurface 86 e may be substantially convex in a direction extending alonethe X-axis, and substantially planar in a direction extending along theY-axis.

The fluid-filled chamber 46 e may be located within the article offootwear 10 e in any of the positions and orientations shown in FIGS.2A-2D, and may include a first barrier layer 52 g, the second barrierlayer 54, a foam structure 60 e, and the tensile member 70. A secondsurface 53 e of the first barrier layer 52 e may be substantially convexin a direction extending alone the X-axis, and substantially planar in adirection extending alone the Y-axis. A surface of the first barrierlayer 52 e opposite the second surface 53 e may be substantially concavein a direction extending alone the X-axis, and substantially planar in adirection extending alone the Y-axis. In this regard, the concavity ofthe surface opposite the second surface 53 e may be equal to, and match,the convexity of the first chamber contact surface 86 e of the body 44e.

The foam structure 60 e may be disposed within the interior void 58 e ofthe fluid-filled chamber 46 e. As illustrated in FIGS. 7B and 7C, insome configurations, the foam structure 60 e is disposed adjacent to thefirst barrier layer 52 e such that a second surface 601 e of the foamstructure 60 e engages the second surface 53 e of the first barrierlayer 52 e at a fourth attachment 102 e. The second surface 601 e of thefoam structure 60 e may be substantially concave in a directionextending alone the X-axis. In this regard, the concavity of the secondsurface 601 e may be equal to, and match, the convexity of the secondsurface 53 e of the first barrier layer 52 e. Accordingly, the fourthattachment 102 e may be such that substantially the entire first surface601 e of the foam structure 60 e contacts the surface 53 e of the firstbarrier layer 52 e. The tensile member 70 may be disposed between thefoam structure 60 e and the second barrier layer 54 relative to theZ-axis such that (i) the second substrate 84 engages the first surface55 of the second barrier layer 54 at the fifth attachment 104 and (ii)the first substrate 82 engages the first surface 602 of the foamstructure 60 e at the sixth attachment 106.

With reference to FIGS. 8A-8D, another article of footwear 10 f isshown. Except as otherwise provided herein, the structure and functionof the article of footwear 10 f may be substantially similar to thestructure and function of the article of footwear 10. In view of thesubstantial similarity in structure and function of the componentsassociated with the article of footwear 10 f with respect to the articleof footwear 10, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in thedrawings to identify like components, while like reference numeralscontaining letter extensions are used to identify those components thathave been modified.

The article of footwear 10 f may include the upper 20 and a solestructure 22 f The sole structure 22 f may include a midsole 40 f andthe outsole 42. The midsole 40 f may include a fluid-filled chamber 46 fresiding within a body 44 f As illustrated in FIG. 7B, the body 44 g mayinclude a cavity 47 f defined at least in part by a first (e.g., upper)chamber contact surface 86 f, a second (e.g., lower) chamber contactsurface 88 f, and a third (e.g., peripheral) chamber contact surface 90f The first chamber contact surface 86 f may be substantially planar andinclude a transversely extending portion 110 (FIG. 8D) proximate theheel end 12 of the article of footwear 10 f. In some configurations, thefirst chamber contact surface 86 f may extend toward the second chambercontact surface 88 f from the heel end 12 to the forefoot end 14 alongthe Y-axis. For example, in some configurations the first chambercontact surface 86 f may be inclined toward the second chamber contactsurface 88 f In other configurations, the first chamber contact surface86 f may include a concave shape extending toward the second chambercontact surface 88 f. As illustrated in FIG. 8D, the transverselyextending portion 110 may extend away from the second chamber contactsurface 88 f in a direction generally parallel to the Z-axis. The secondchamber contact surface 88 f may be substantially planar. The thirdchamber contact surface 90 f may extend from and between the first andsecond chamber contact surfaces 86 f, 88 f In this regard, the thirdchamber contact surface 90 f may extend away from the second chambercontact surface 88 f by a greater distance at the heel end 12 than atthe forefoot end 14. Accordingly, the third chamber contact surface 90 fand the transversely extending portion 110 of the first chamber contactsurface 86 f may define a transversely extending portion 112 of thecavity 47 f.

The fluid-filled chamber 46 f may be located within the article offootwear 10 f in any of the positions and orientations shown in FIGS.2A-2D, and may include a first barrier layer 52 f, a second barrierlayer 54 f, a foam structure 60 f, and the tensile member 70. A secondsurface 53 f of the first barrier layer 52 f may include a size andshape that corresponds to, and matches, the size and shape of the firstand third chamber contact surfaces 86 f, 90 f of the body 44 f. In thisregard, as illustrated in FIG. 8D, the first barrier layer 52 f mayinclude a U-shaped portion 114 that is disposed within the transverselyextending portion 112 of the cavity 47 f in the assembled configuration,such that the interior void 58 f includes a transversely extendingportion 116.

The foam structure 60 f may be disposed within the interior void 58 f ofthe fluid-filled chamber 46 f As illustrated in FIGS. 8B and 8C, in someconfigurations, the foam structure 60 f is disposed adjacent to thefirst barrier layer 52 f such that a second surface 601 f of the foamstructure 60 f engages the second surface 53 f of the first barrierlayer 52 f at a fourth attachment 102 f The second surface 601 f of thefoam structure 60 f may include a size and shape that corresponds to,and matches, the size and shape of the second surface 53 f of the firstbarrier layer 52 f. In this regard, as illustrated in FIGS. 8B and 8D,the second surface 601 f may extend upwardly along the Z-axis to definein part a flange portion 118 of the foam structure 60 f. In theassembled configuration, the flange portion 118 may be disposed withinthe transversely extending portion 116 of the interior void 58 f. Thetensile member 70 may be disposed between the foam structure 60 f andthe second barrier layer 54 f relative to the Z-axis such that (i) thesecond substrate 84 engages the first surface 55 f of the second barrierlayer 54 f at a fifth attachment 104 f and (ii) the first substrate 82engages the first surface 602 f of the foam structure 60 f at a sixthattachment 106 f.

With reference to FIGS. 9A-9E, another article of footwear 10 g isshown. Except as otherwise provided herein, the structure and functionof the article of footwear 10 g may be substantially similar to thestructure and function of the article of footwear 10. In view of thesubstantial similarity in structure and function of the componentsassociated with the article of footwear 10 g with respect to the articleof footwear 10, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in thedrawings to identify like components, while like reference numeralscontaining letter extensions are used to identify those components thathave been modified.

The article of footwear 10 g may include the upper 20 and a solestructure 22 g. The sole structure 22 g may include a midsole 40 g andthe outsole 42. The midsole 40 g may include a fluid-filled chamber 46 gresiding within the body 44.

The fluid-filled chamber 46 g may be located within the article offootwear 10 g in any of the positions and orientations shown in FIGS.2A-2D, and may include the first barrier layer 52, the second barrierlayer 54, one or more foam structures 60 g, and one or more tensilemembers 70 g. The first and second foam structures 62 g, 64 g of thefoam structures 60 g may be disposed within the interior void 58 g ofthe fluid-filled chamber 46 g. As illustrated in FIG. 9E, the first foamstructure 62 g may be disposed adjacent to the first barrier layer 52such that a second surface 601 g of the first foam structure 62 gengages the second surface 53 of the first barrier layer 52 at a fourthattachment 102 g. The second foam structure 64 g may be disposedadjacent to the second barrier layer 54 such that a first surface 602 gof the second foam structure 62 g engages the first surface 55 of thesecond barrier layer 54 at a first attachment 96 g.

The first and second tensile members 72 g, 74 g of the tensile members70 g may be disposed within the interior void 58 g of the fluid-filledchamber 46 g. The first tensile member 72 g may be disposed between thesecond foam structure 64 g and the first barrier layer 52 relative tothe Z-axis such that (i) the first substrate 82 g engages the secondsurface 53 of the first barrier layer 52 at a second attachment 94 g and(ii) the second substrate 84 g engages the second surface 601 g of thesecond foam structure 64 g at a third attachment 97 g. The secondtensile member 74 g may be disposed between the first foam structure 62g and the first barrier layer 52 relative to the Z-axis such that (i)the second substrate 84 engages the first surface 55 of the secondbarrier layer 54 at a fifth attachment 104 g and (ii) the firstsubstrate 82 g engages the first surface 602 g of the first foamstructure 62 g at a sixth attachment 106 g.

As illustrated in FIG. 9E, the first foam structure 62 g and the secondtensile member 74 g may extend from the heel end 12 to an intermediatelocation 120 disposed between the heel and forefoot ends 12, 14, alongthe Y-axis. The second foam structure 64 g and the first tensile member72 g may extend from the forefoot end 14 to the intermediate location120 along the Y-axis. Accordingly, as illustrated, the first foamstructure 62 g may abut and/or oppose the first tensile member 72 g atthe intermediate location 120, and the second foam structure 64 g mayabut and/or oppose the second tensile member 74 g at the intermediatelocation 120. If the first foam structure 62 g abuts the first tensilemember 72 g, these elements 62 g, 72 g may be attached to one another.Similarly, if the second foam structure 64 g abuts the second tensilemember 74 g, these elements 64 g, 74 g may be attached to one another.

In some configurations, the intermediate location 120 may be centrallylocated within the fluid-filled chamber 46 g along the Y-axis, such thatthe lengths of the first and second foam structures 62 g, 64 g and thefirst and second tensile members 72 g, 74 g along the Y-axis aresubstantially equal to one another. In other configurations, theintermediate location 120 may be offset from the center of thefluid-filled chamber 46 g along the Y-axis such that the lengths of oneor more of the first and second foam structures 62 g, 64 g and the firstand second tensile members 72 g, 74 g along the Y-axis is different thanone or more of the others of the first and second foam structures 62 g,64 g and the first and second tensile members 72 g, 74 g.

With reference to FIGS. 10A-10E, another article of footwear 10 h isshown. Except as otherwise provided herein, the structure and functionof the article of footwear 10 h may be substantially similar to thestructure and function of the article of footwear 10. In view of thesubstantial similarity in structure and function of the componentsassociated with the article of footwear 10 h with respect to the articleof footwear 10, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in thedrawings to identify like components, while like reference numeralscontaining letter extensions are used to identify those components thathave been modified.

The article of footwear 10 h may include the upper 20 and a solestructure 22 h. The sole structure 22 h may include a midsole 40 h andthe outsole 42. The midsole 40 h may include a fluid-filled chamber 46 hresiding within the body 44.

The fluid-filled chamber 46 h may be located within the article offootwear 10 h in any of the positions and orientations shown in FIGS.2A-2D, and may include the first barrier layer 52, the second barrierlayer 54, one or more foam structures 60 h, and one or more tensilemembers 70 h. First and second foam structures 62 h, 64 h of the foamstructures 60 h may be disposed within the interior void 58 h of thefluid-filled chamber 46 h. As illustrated in FIG. 10E, the first foamstructure 62 h may be disposed adjacent to the first barrier layer 52such that a second surface 601 h of the first foam structure 62 hengages the second surface 53 of the first barrier layer 52 at a fourthattachment 102 h. The second foam structure 64 h may be disposedadjacent to the second barrier layer 54 such that a first surface 602 hof the second foam structure 62 h engages the first surface 55 of thesecond barrier layer 54 at a first attachment 96 h.

First and second tensile members 72 h, 74 h of the tensile members 70 hmay be disposed within the interior void 58 h of the fluid-filledchamber 46 h. The first tensile member 72 h may be disposed between thesecond foam structure 64 h and the first barrier layer 52 relative tothe Z-axis such that (i) the first substrate 82 h engages the secondsurface 53 of the first barrier layer 52 at a second attachment 94 h and(ii) the second substrate 84 h engages the second surface 601 h of thesecond foam structure 64 h at a third attachment 97 h. The secondtensile member 74 h may be disposed between the first foam structure 62h and the first barrier layer 52 relative to the Z-axis such that (i)the second substrate 84 engages the first surface 55 of the secondbarrier layer 54 at a fifth attachment 104 h and (ii) the firstsubstrate 82 h engages the first surface 602 h of the first foamstructure 62 h at a sixth attachment 106 h.

As illustrated in FIG. 10E, the first foam structure 62 h and the secondtensile member 74 h may extend from the forefoot end 14 to theintermediate location 120 along the Y-axis. The second foam structure 64h and the first tensile member 72 h may extend from the heel end 12 tothe intermediate location 120 along the Y-axis. Accordingly, asillustrated, the first foam structure 62 h may abut and/or oppose thefirst tensile member 72 h at the intermediate location 120, and thesecond foam structure 64 h may abut and/or oppose the second tensilemember 74 h at the intermediate location 120. If the first foamstructure 62 h abuts the first tensile member 72 h, these elements 62 h,72 h may be attached to one another. Similarly, if the second foamstructure 64 h abuts the second tensile member 74 h, these elements 64h, 74 h may be attached to one another.

With reference to FIGS. 11A-11F, another article of footwear 10 i isshown. Except as otherwise provided herein, the structure and functionof the article of footwear 10 i may be substantially similar to thestructure and function of the article of footwear 10. In view of thesubstantial similarity in structure and function of the componentsassociated with the article of footwear 10 i with respect to the articleof footwear 10, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in thedrawings to identify like components, while like reference numeralscontaining letter extensions are used to identify those components thathave been modified.

The article of footwear 10 i may include the upper 20 and a solestructure 22 i. The sole structure 22 i may include a midsole 40 i andthe outsole 42. The midsole 40 i may include a fluid-filled chamber 46 iresiding within the body 44.

The fluid-filled chamber 46 i may be located within the article offootwear 10 i in any of the positions and orientations shown in FIGS.2A-2D, and may include the first barrier layer 52, the second barrierlayer 54, one or more foam structures 60 i, and one or more tensilemembers 70 i. First and second foam structures 62 i, 64 i of the foamstructures 60 i may be disposed within the interior void 58 i of thefluid-filled chamber 46 i. As illustrated in FIG. 11F, the first andsecond foam structures 62 i, 64 i may be disposed adjacent to the firstbarrier layer 52 such that a second surface 601 i of each of the firstand second foam structures 62 i, 64 i engages the second surface 53 ofthe first barrier layer 52 at a fourth attachment 102 i.

First, second, and third tensile members 72 i, 74 i, 76 i of the tensilemembers 70 i may be disposed within the interior void 58 i of thefluid-filled chamber 46 i. The first and second tensile members 72 i, 74i may be disposed between the first barrier layer 52 and the first andsecond foam structures 62 i, 64 i, respectively, relative to the Z-axissuch that (i) the second substrate 84 of each of the first and secondtensile members 72 i, 74 i engages the first surface 55 of the secondbarrier layer 54 at a fifth attachment 104 i and (ii) the firstsubstrate 82 i of each of the first and second tensile members 72 i, 74i engages the first surface 602 i of the first foam structure 62 i at asixth attachment 106 i. The third tensile member 76 i may be disposedbetween the first and second foam structures 62 i, 64 i and between thefirst and second tensile members 72 i, 74 i along the Y-axis. The firstsubstrate 82 i of the third tensile member 76 i may engage the secondsurface 53 of the first barrier layer 52, and the second substrate 84 iof the third tensile member 76 i may engage the first surface 55 of thesecond barrier layer 52. In this regard, a height of the third tensilemember 76 i along the Z-axis may be substantially equal to (i) acombined height of the first foam structure 62 i and the first tensilemember 72 i, and (ii) a combined height of the second foam structure 64i and the second tensile member 74 i.

As illustrated in FIG. 11F, the first foam structure 62 i and the firsttensile member 72 i may extend from the heel end 12 to a firstintermediate location 120 i disposed between the heel and forefoot ends12, 14, along the Y-axis. The second foam structure 64 i and the secondtensile member 74 i may extend from the forefoot end 14 to a secondintermediate location 122 along the Y-axis. The third tensile member 76i may extend from the first intermediate location 120 to the secondintermediate location 122. Accordingly, as illustrated, the first foamstructure 62 i and the first tensile member 72 i may abut and/or opposea proximal end of the third tensile member 76 i at the firstintermediate location 120, and the second foam structure 64 i and thesecond tensile member 74 i may abut and/or oppose the third tensilemember 76 i at the second intermediate location 122. The first foamstructure 62 i and the first tensile member 72 i may be attached to thethird tensile member 76 i at the first intermediate location 120, andthe second foam structure 64 i and the second tensile member 74 i may beattached to the third tensile member 76 i at the second intermediatelocation 122.

In some configurations, the first and/or second intermediate locations120, 122 may be offset from a central portion of the fluid-filledchamber 46 i along the Y-axis, such that the third tensile member 76 iis disposed at the central portion of the fluid-filled chamber 46 ialong the Y-axis. In other configurations, one or more of the first andsecond intermediate locations 120, 122 may alternatively be positionedrelative to the central portion of the fluid-filled chamber 46 i suchthat the third tensile member 76 i is offset from the central portion ofthe fluid-filled chamber 46 i relative to the Y-axis.

With reference to FIGS. 12A-12D, another article of footwear 10 j isshown. Except as otherwise provided herein, the structure and functionof the article of footwear 10 j may be substantially similar to thestructure and function of the article of footwear 10. In view of thesubstantial similarity in structure and function of the componentsassociated with the article of footwear 10 j with respect to the articleof footwear 10, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in thedrawings to identify like components, while like reference numeralscontaining letter extensions are used to identify those components thathave been modified.

The article of footwear 10 j may include the upper 20 and a solestructure 22 j. The sole structure 22 j may include a midsole 40 j andthe outsole 42. The midsole 40 j may include a fluid-filled chamber 46 jresiding within a body 44 j. As illustrated in FIG. 12B, the body 44 jmay include a cavity 47 j defined at least in part by a first (e.g.,upper) chamber contact surface 86 j, a second (e.g., lower) chambercontact surface 88 j, and a third (e.g., peripheral) chamber contactsurface 90 j. The first chamber contact surface 86 j may besubstantially planar and include a transversely extending portion 110(FIG. 12D) proximate the heel end 12 of the article of footwear 10 j. Insome configurations, the first chamber contact surface 86 j may extendtoward the second chamber contact surface 88 j from the heel end 12 tothe forefoot end 14 along the Y-axis. For example, in someconfigurations the first chamber contact surface 86 j may be inclinedtoward the second chamber contact surface 88 f In other configurations,the first chamber contact surface 86 j may include a concave shapeextending toward the second chamber contact surface 88 f. As illustratedin FIG. 12D, the transversely extending portion 110 may extend away fromthe second chamber contact surface 88 j in a direction generallyparallel to the Z-axis. The second chamber contact surface 88 j may besubstantially planar. The third chamber contact surface 90 j may extendfrom and between the first and second chamber contact surfaces 86 j, 88j. In this regard, the third chamber contact surface 90 j may extendaway from the second chamber contact surface 88 j by a greater distanceat the heel end 12 than at the forefoot end 14. Accordingly, the thirdchamber contact surface 90 j and the transversely extending portion 110of the first chamber contact surface 86 j may define a transverselyextending portion 112 of the cavity 47 f.

The fluid-filled chamber 46 j may be located within the article offootwear 10 j in any of the positions and orientations shown in FIGS.2A-2D, and may include a first barrier layer 52 j, a second barrierlayer 54 j, a foam structure 60 j, and the tensile member 70. A secondsurface 53 j of the first barrier layer 52 j may include a size andshape that corresponds to, and matches, the size and shape of the firstand third chamber contact surfaces 86 j, 90 j of the body 44 j. In thisregard, as illustrated in FIG. 12D, the first barrier layer 52 j mayinclude a U-shaped portion 114 that is disposed within the transverselyextending portion 112 of the cavity 47 j in the assembled configuration,such that the interior void 58 j includes a transversely extendingportion 116.

The foam structure 60 j may be disposed within the interior void 58 j ofthe fluid-filled chamber 46 j. As illustrated in FIGS. 12B and 12C, insome configurations, the foam structure 60 j is disposed adjacent to thefirst barrier layer 52 j such that a second surface 601 j of the foamstructure 60 j engages the second surface 53 j of the first barrierlayer 52 j at a fourth attachment 102 j. The second surface 601 j of thefoam structure 60 j may include a size and shape that corresponds to,and matches, the size and shape of the second surface 53 j of the firstbarrier layer 52 j. In this regard, as illustrated in FIGS. 12B and 12D,the second surface 601 j may extend upwardly along the Z-axis to definein part a flange portion 118 of the foam structure 60 j. Additionally,with reference to FIG. 12C, the second surface 601 j of the foamstructure 60 j may be substantially concave in a direction extendingalone the X-axis. In this regard, the concavity of the second surface601 j may be equal to, and match, the convexity of the second surface 53j of the first barrier layer 52 j. Accordingly, the fourth attachment102 j may be such that the entire first surface 601 j of the foamstructure 60 j contacts the surface 53 j of the first barrier layer 52j. In the assembled configuration, the flange portion 118 may bedisposed within the transversely extending portion 116 of the interiorvoid 58 j. The tensile member 70 may be disposed between the foamstructure 60 j and the second barrier layer 54 j relative to the Z-axissuch that (i) the second substrate 84 engages the first surface 55 j ofthe second barrier layer 54 j at a fifth attachment 104 j and (ii) thefirst substrate 82 engages the first surface 602 j of the foam structure60 j at a sixth attachment 106 j.

With reference to FIGS. 13A-13D, another article of footwear 10 k isshown. Except as otherwise provided herein, the structure and functionof the article of footwear 10 k may be substantially similar to thestructure and function of the article of footwear 10. In view of thesubstantial similarity in structure and function of the componentsassociated with the article of footwear 10 k with respect to the articleof footwear 10, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in thedrawings to identify like components, while like reference numeralscontaining letter extensions are used to identify those components thathave been modified.

The article of footwear 10 k may include the upper 20 and a solestructure 22 k. The sole structure 22 k may include a midsole 40 k andthe outsole 42. The midsole 40 k may include a fluid-filled chamber 46 kresiding within the body 44.

The fluid-filled chamber 46 k may be located within the article offootwear 10 k in any of the positions and orientations shown in FIGS.2A-2D, and may include the first barrier layer 52, the second barrierlayer 54, a foam structure 60 k, and one or more tensile members 70 k.

A first tensile member 72 k of the tensile members 70 k may be disposedbetween the first barrier layer 52 and the second barrier layer 54relative to the Z-axis such that (i) the second substrate 84 k engagesthe first surface 55 of the second barrier layer 54 at a fifthattachment 104 k and (ii) the first substrate 82 k engages the secondsurface 53 of the first barrier layer 52 at a second attachment 94 k.The first and second substrates 82 k, 84 k may include a substantiallyplanar configuration. Accordingly, the attachment 94 k between thetensile member 72 k (at the first substrate 82 k) and the first barrierlayer 52, as well as the attachment 104 k between the tensile member 72k (at the second substrate 84 k) and the second barrier layer 54, may beformed in a manner such that substantially all of the first and secondsubstrates 82 k, 84 k contact the first and second surfaces 55, 53,respectively.

The first tensile member 72 k may include a passage 130 extending fromand between the first and second substrates 82 k, 84 k along the Z-axis.In this regard, the passage 130 may extend from a first opening 132formed in the first substrate 82 k to a second opening 134 formed in thesecond substrate 84 k. The first and/or second openings 132, 134 may becentrally located within the first and second substrates 82 k, 84 k,relative to the X- and Y-axes, such that the tensile fibers 85 extendabout, and partially define, the passage 130.

A second tensile member 74 k of the tensile members 70 k may be disposedwithin the passage 130 adjacent to the second barrier layer 54 such thatthe second substrate 84 k of the second tensile member 74 k engages thefirst surface 55 of the second barrier layer 54 at a fifth attachment104 k. The second substrate 84 k may include a substantially planarconfiguration. Accordingly, the attachment 104 k between the secondtensile member 74 k (at the second substrate 84 k) and the secondbarrier layer 54 may be formed in a manner such that substantially allof the second substrate 84 k contacts the first surface 55 of the secondbarrier layer 54.

The foam structure 60 k may be disposed within the passage 130 betweenthe first barrier layer 52 and the second tensile member 74 k such that(i) the second surface 601 k of the foam structure 60 k engages thesecond surface 53 of the first barrier layer 52 at a fourth attachment102 k and (ii) the first surface 602 k of the foam structure 60 kengages the first substrate 82 k of the second tensile member 74 k at asixth attachment 106 k. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 13D, adistance along the Z-axis between the first and second substrates 82 k,84 k of the first tensile member 72 k may be substantially equal to adistance along the Z-axis between the second surface 601 k of the foamstructure 60 k and the second substrate 84 k of the second tensilemember 74 k. The first substrate 82 k of the second tensile member 74 kmay include a substantially planar configuration. Accordingly, theattachment 106 k between the second tensile member 74 k (at the firstsubstrate 82 k) and the foam structure 60 k may be formed in a mannersuch that substantially all of the first substrate 82 k contacts thefirst surface 602 k of the foam structure 60 k. Additionally, theattachment 102 k may be such that substantially the entire first surface601 k of the foam structure 60 k contacts the surface 53 of the firstbarrier layer 52.

The resulting structure includes the foam structure 60 k and the secondtensile member 74 k being received within and surrounded by the firsttensile member 72 k. Further, the first substrate 82 k of the firsttensile member 72 k is substantially flush with the second surface 601 kof the foam structure 60 k while the second substrate 84 k of the firsttensile member 72 k is substantially flush with the second substrate 84k of the second tensile member 74 k.

With reference to FIGS. 14A-14G, another article of footwear 10 m isshown. Except as otherwise provided herein, the structure and functionof the article of footwear 10 m may be substantially similar to thestructure and function of the article of footwear 10. In view of thesubstantial similarity in structure and function of the componentsassociated with the article of footwear 10 m with respect to the articleof footwear 10, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in thedrawings to identify like components, while like reference numeralscontaining letter extensions are used to identify those components thathave been modified.

The article of footwear 10 m may include the upper 20 and a solestructure 22 m. The sole structure 22 m may include a midsole 40 m andthe outsole 42. The midsole 40 m may include a fluid-filled chamber 46 mresiding within a cavity 47 m of the body 44 m. The fluid-filled chamber46 m may be located within the article of footwear 10 m in any of thepositions and orientations shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, and may include a firstbarrier layer 52 m, a second barrier layer 54 m, one or more foamstructures 60 m, and one or more tensile members 70 m. The first andsecond barrier layers 52 m, 54 m may define an anatomical shape, such asthe bottom of a foot. In this regard, the cavity 47 m may also define ananatomical shape, such as the bottom of a foot, and a size thatcorresponds to the size of the fluid-filled chamber 46 m, such that thefluid-filled chamber 46 m fits within the cavity 47 m.

A first tensile member 72 m of the tensile members 70 m may be disposedbetween the first barrier layer 52 m and the second barrier layer 54 mrelative to the Z-axis such that (i) the second substrate 84 m of thefirst tensile member 72 m engages the first surface 55 m of the secondbarrier layer 54 m at a fifth attachment 104 m and (ii) the firstsubstrate 82 m engages the second surface 53 m of the first barrierlayer 52 at a second attachment 94 m. The first and second substrates 82m, 84 m of the first tensile member 72 m may include a substantiallyplanar configuration. Accordingly, the attachment 94 m between thetensile member 72 m (at the first substrate 82 m) and the first barrierlayer 52 m, as well as the attachment 104 m between the tensile member72 m (at the second substrate 84 m) and the second barrier layer 54 m,may be formed in a manner such that substantially all of the first andsecond substrates 82 m, 84 m contact the first and second surfaces 55 m,53 m, respectively.

The first tensile member 72 m may include one or more passages 130 mextending from and between the first and second substrates 82 m, 84 malong the Z-axis. In this regard, a first passage 130 m 1 may extendfrom a first opening 132 m 1 formed in the first substrate 82 m to asecond opening 134 m 1 formed in the second substrate 84 m. The firstand/or second openings 132 m 1, 134 m 1 may be located within the heelend 12 of the first tensile member 72 m, such that the tensile fibers 85m extend about, and partially define, the first passage 130 m 1. Asecond passage 130 m 2 may extend from a first opening 132 m 2 formed inthe first substrate 82 m to a second opening 134 m 2 formed in thesecond substrate 84 m. The first and/or second openings 132 m 2, 134 m 2may be located within a central and/or intermediate portion of the firsttensile member 72 m, such that the tensile fibers 85 m extend about, andpartially define, the second passage 130 m 2. In some configurations,the second passage 130 m 2 may be substantially aligned with the ball ofa wearer's foot. A third passage 130 m 3 may extend from a first opening132 m 3 formed in the first substrate 82 m to a second opening 134 m 3formed in the second substrate 84 m. The first and/or second openings132 m 3, 134 m 3 may be located within the forefoot end 14 of the firsttensile member 72 m, such that the tensile fibers 85 m extend about, andpartially define, the third passage 130 m 3.

A second tensile member 74 m of the tensile members 70 m may be disposedwithin the first passage 130 m 1 adjacent to the second barrier layer 54m such that the second substrate 84 m of the second tensile member 74 mengages the first surface 55 m of the second barrier layer 54 m at afifth attachment 104 m and is substantially flush with the secondsubstrate 84 m of the first tensile member 72 m. The second substrate 84m of the second tensile member 74 m may include a substantially planarconfiguration. Accordingly, the attachment 104 m between the secondtensile member 74 m (at the second substrate 84 m) and the secondbarrier layer 54 m may be formed in a manner such that substantially allof the second substrate 84 m of the second tensile member 74 m contactsthe first surface 55 m of the second barrier layer 54 m.

A third tensile member 76 m of the tensile members 70 m may be disposedwithin the second passage 130 m 2 adjacent to the second barrier layer54 m such that the second substrate 84 m of the third tensile member 76m engages the first surface 55 m of the second barrier layer 54 m at afifth attachment 104 m and is substantially flush with the secondsubstrate 84 m of the first tensile member 72 m. The second substrate 84m of the third tensile member 76 m may include a substantially planarconfiguration. Accordingly, the attachment 104 m between the thirdtensile member 76 m (at the second substrate 84 m) and the secondbarrier layer 54 m may be formed in a manner such that substantially allof the second substrate 84 m of the third tensile member 76 m contactsthe first surface 55 m of the second barrier layer 54 m.

A fourth tensile member 78 m of the tensile members 70 m may be disposedwithin the third passage 130 m 3 adjacent to the second barrier layer 54m such that the second substrate 84 m of the fourth tensile member 78 mengages the first surface 55 m of the second barrier layer 54 m at afifth attachment 104 m and is substantially flush with the secondsubstrate 84 m of the first tensile member 72 m. The second substrate 84m of the fourth tensile member 78 m may include a substantially planarconfiguration. Accordingly, the attachment 104 m between the fourthtensile member 78 m (at the second substrate 84 m) and the secondbarrier layer 54 m may be formed in a manner such that substantially allof the second substrate 84 m of the fourth tensile member 78 m contactsthe first surface 55 m of the second barrier layer 54 m.

A first foam structure 62 m of the foam structures 60 m may be disposedwithin the first passage 130 m 1 between the first barrier layer 52 mand the second tensile member 74 m such that (i) the second surface 601m of the first foam structure 62 m engages the second surface 53 m ofthe first barrier layer 52 m at a fourth attachment 102 m and issubstantially flush with the first substrate 82 m of the first tensilemember 72 m and (ii) the first surface 602 m of the first foam structure62 m engages the first substrate 82 m of the second tensile member 74 mat a sixth attachment 106 m. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIGS. 14Dand 14G, a distance along the Z-axis between the first and secondsubstrates 82 m, 84 m of the first tensile member 72 m may besubstantially equal to a distance along the Z-axis between the secondsurface 601 m of the first foam structure 62 m and the second substrate84 m of the second tensile member 74 m. The first substrate 82 m of thesecond tensile member 74 m may include a substantially planarconfiguration. Accordingly, the attachment 106 m between the secondtensile member 74 m (at the first substrate 82 m) and the first foamstructure 62 m may be formed in a manner such that substantially all ofthe first substrate 82 m contacts the first surface 602 m of the firstfoam structure 62 m. Additionally, the attachment 102 m may be such thatsubstantially the entire first surface 601 m of the first foam structure62 m contacts the surface 53 m of the first barrier layer 52 m.

A second foam structure 64 m of the foam structures 60 m may be disposedwithin the second passage 130 m 2 between the first barrier layer 52 mand the third tensile member 76 m such that (i) the second surface 601 mof the second foam structure 64 m engages the second surface 53 m of thefirst barrier layer 52 m at a fourth attachment 102 m and issubstantially flush with the first substrate 82 m of the first tensilemember 72 m and (ii) the first surface 602 m of the second foamstructure 64 m engages the first substrate 82 m of the third tensilemember 76 m at a sixth attachment 106 m. Accordingly, as illustrated inFIGS. 14E and 14G, a distance along the Z-axis between the first andsecond substrates 82 m, 84 m of the first tensile member 72 m may besubstantially equal to a distance along the Z-axis between the secondsurface 601 m of the second foam structure 64 m and the second substrate84 m of the third tensile member 76 m. The first substrate 82 m of thethird tensile member 76 m may include a substantially planarconfiguration. Accordingly, the attachment 106 m between the thirdtensile member 76 m (at the first substrate 82 m) and the second foamstructure 64 m may be formed in a manner such that substantially all ofthe first substrate 82 m contacts the first surface 602 m of the secondfoam structure 64 m. Additionally, the attachment 102 m may be such thatsubstantially the entire first surface 601 m of the second foamstructure 64 m contacts the surface 53 m of the first barrier layer 52m.

A third foam structure 66 m of the foam structures 60 m may be disposedwithin the third passage 130 m 3 between the first barrier layer 52 mand the fourth tensile member 78 m such that (i) the second surface 601m of the third foam structure 66 m engages the second surface 53 m ofthe first barrier layer 52 m at a fourth attachment 102 m and issubstantially flush with the first substrate 82 m of the first tensilemember 72 m and (ii) the first surface 602 m of the third foam structure66 m engages the first substrate 82 m of the fourth tensile member 78 mat a sixth attachment 106 m. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIGS. 14Fand 14G, a distance along the Z-axis between the first and secondsubstrates 82 m, 84 m of the first tensile member 72 m may besubstantially equal to a distance along the Z-axis between the secondsurface 601 m of the third foam structure 66 m and the second substrate84 m of the fourth tensile member 78 m. The first substrate 82 m of thefourth tensile member 78 m may include a substantially planarconfiguration. Accordingly, the attachment 106 m between the fourthtensile member 78 m (at the first substrate 82 m) and the third foamstructure 66 m may be formed in a manner such that substantially all ofthe first substrate 82 m contacts the first surface 602 m of the thirdfoam structure 66 m. Additionally, the attachment 102 m may be such thatsubstantially the entire first surface 601 m of the third foam structure66 m contacts the surface 53 m of the first barrier layer 52 m.

The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustrationand description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thedisclosure. Individual elements or features of a particularconfiguration are generally not limited to that particularconfiguration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can beused in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown ordescribed. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations arenot to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thedisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sole structure for an article of footwearhaving an upper, the sole structure comprising: a fluid-filled chamberincluding (i) a first barrier layer, (ii) a second barrier layer securedto the first barrier layer to define an interior void between the firstbarrier layer and the second barrier layer, (iii) a tensile memberdisposed within the interior void and attached to one of the firstbarrier layer and the second barrier layer, and (iv) a foam structuredisposed within the interior void, attached to the other of the firstbarrier layer and the second barrier layer, the foam structure having auniform height along a width of the foam structure and tapering in adirection from a heel region of the sole structure to a forefoot regionof the sole structure.
 2. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein thefoam structure includes a first surface opposing the upper and a secondsurface disposed on an opposite side of the foam structure than thefirst surface and opposing the tensile member.
 3. The sole structure ofclaim 2, wherein the first surface is convergent with the secondsurface.
 4. The sole structure of claim 2, wherein the first surface isattached to the other of the first barrier layer and the second barrierlayer and the second surface is attached to the tensile member.
 5. Thesole structure of claim 2, further comprising a midsole disposed betweenthe fluid-filled chamber and the upper, the midsole opposing the firstsurface of the foam structure.
 6. The sole structure of claim 5, whereinthe midsole is formed from a foamed polymer material.
 7. The solestructure of claim 1, wherein the tensile member includes a plurality offibers extending between a first tensile member layer and a secondtensile member layer, the plurality of fibers extending in a firstdirection between the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer.8. The sole structure of claim 7, wherein the foam structure is attachedto one of the first tensile member layer and the second tensile memberlayer.
 9. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the foam structure isdisposed between the tensile member and the upper.
 10. The solestructure of claim 1, wherein the foam structure extends continuouslyfrom the heel region to the forefoot region.
 11. A sole structure for anarticle of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising: afluid-filled chamber including (i) a first barrier layer, (ii) a secondbarrier layer secured to the first barrier layer to define an interiorvoid between the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer, (iii)a tensile member disposed within the interior void and attached to oneof the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer, and (iv) a foamstructure disposed within the interior void, attached to the other ofthe first barrier layer and the second barrier layer, and extendingcontinuously from a heel region of the sole structure to a forefootregion of the sole structure, a combined thickness of the tensile memberand the foam structure having a uniform height along a width of the foamstructure and decreasing in a direction from the heel region to theforefoot region.
 12. The sole structure of claim 11, wherein the foamstructure includes a first surface opposing the upper and a secondsurface disposed on an opposite side of the foam structure than thefirst surface and opposing the tensile member.
 13. The sole structure ofclaim 12, wherein the first surface is convergent with the secondsurface.
 14. The sole structure of claim 12, wherein the first surfaceis attached to the other of the first barrier layer and the secondbarrier layer and the second surface is attached to the tensile member.15. The sole structure of claim 11, further comprising a midsoledisposed between the fluid-filled chamber and the upper, the midsoleopposing the foam structure.
 16. The sole structure of claim 15, whereinthe midsole is formed from a foamed polymer material.
 17. The solestructure of claim 11, wherein the tensile member includes a pluralityof fibers extending between a first tensile member layer and a secondtensile member layer, the plurality of fibers extending in a firstdirection between the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer.18. The sole structure of claim 17, wherein the foam structure isattached to one of the first tensile member layer and the second tensilemember layer.
 19. The sole structure of claim 11, wherein the foamstructure is disposed between the tensile member and the upper.
 20. Thesole structure of claim 11, wherein the foam structure tapers from theheel region to the forefoot region.